What Chargers DT Justin Jones brings to the table in 2018

The Chargers had a desperate need for a defensive tackle who can make an impact against both the run and pass. Brandon Mebane underperformed in 2017 and Corey Liuget is suspended for the first four games of the 2018 season. Third-round selection DT Justin Jones will be able to provide the team just that Day 1.

Jones can be easily overlooked with his lack of ability to fill up the stat sheet, as well as the fact that he played on a stacked defensive line at North Carolina State University, which featured Broncos defensive end, Bradley Chubb. Some may say that there was better value when Los Angeles made their selection, but when you look at his tape and traits, Jones was one of the most translatable players on the board at his position in the 2018 NFL draft.

NCST DT’s Justin Jones and BJ Hill impressed me today. Both of them are very powerful at the point of attack. I view Jones as the better pass rusher, while Hill is a tough run defender, who is tough to move and reliable to fill his gap.pic.twitter.com/C3DrSegHB6

Jones plays with good pad level and will engage OL with his hands. Here, he works his feet to gain position, doesn't try to bull rush through the RG but punches him with both hands then drives with only his left hand to turn him and makes the play. pic.twitter.com/qZr09islcZ

THIS! Justin Jones (27 – lined up in a 3T) plays this perfectly. RG crosses his face and Jones doesn't hesitate. Reads, processes and fights pressure with pressure. This prevents the B-gap from widening out and creating a lane for the running back. Jones was impressive in Mobile! pic.twitter.com/dDrdozuoIo

I've often talked about how good McGlinchey/Nelson was for Notre Dame OL. Jones/Chubb duo at NC State is pretty damn good for a defense. Pay attention to the right side of the line. Chubb off the edge with a swim and Jones just blows up this RG (71). WHEW! pic.twitter.com/ZaPlfZwHDD

Jones plays his position very effectively, showing excellent pad level by utilizing a consistent base, actively engaging offensive linemen with his powerful bullrush to avoid blocks and fight through double teams with ease. He shows a phenomenal spin move when he rushes the quarterback. At 6-foot-2 and 312 pounds, Jones uses his long wingspan to create separation while bringing fast hands and a strong punch.

Jones has the lateral quickness to wrap up and bring down running backs before they have a chance to cut to the outside. The 22-year old DT is not afraid to leave his feet to make a play, and if his first effort fails, he always gets back into the action demonstrating the high motor that L.A. covets from any defender.

Jones may not be the perfect player, and there are things that he will need to work on in camp before the season. He struggles to play low at times and is high and stiff which makes it easier for defensive linemen to get underneath his shoulder pads and drive him back. He will also have to work on being better at processing the plays and blocks in front of him as he can be seen not having a plan and can look confused in the backfield on occasion.

The former North Carolina State product is capable of playing on all three downs with his versatile skill set. Jones will primarily start out rotating with DT Darius Philon to begin the 2018 season due to the absence of Liuget. But, he has shown the ability to play nose tackle as well, which will allow him to rotate in with Mebane in sub packages. Jones brings a disciplined run defender and powerful pass rusher to defensive coordinator Gus Bradley’s defense that should see an improvement in this area from prior seasons’ struggles.